The word 'micro' means small and 'biology' is the study of life and life forms. Microbiology is a branch of science which studies 'small life'. This refers to the study of microorganisms or microbes. This is a vital area of study as it breaks down and identifies all processes of life. The micro-organic substances that are studied are very small and invisible to the naked eye. This includes archaea, bacteria, viruses, prions, fungi, algae, and protozoa. These microbes play important roles in areas such as cycling of nutrients, biodegradation or bio deterioration, food spoilage, climate change, the cause and control of disease, and biotechnology to name a few.
Thanks to its versatility and importance in the environment, microbes can be used to be put to work in many ways like making life-saving drugs, cleaning up pollution, manufacturing bio fuels, and producing and processing food and beverages. Microbiology is a broad discipline that includes several branches however the two main branches of this subject are virology and bacteriology. It is highly interdisciplinary because it draws from many other subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, and Biomedicine.
Study Levels
The different study levels that are offered in this sub-discipline are:
B.Sc in Microbiology
B.Sc in Genetics
B.Sc in Biological Science
B.Sc in Neurobiology
B.Sc in Microbiology and Immunology
B.Sc in Biology
B.Sc Chemistry - Premedicine
B.Sc Dairy Manufacturing - Microbiology
B.Sc in Biology - Pre-osteopathic
B.Sc Biotechnology
B.Sc in Biology - Biomedical Sciences
B.Sc in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Masters Degree in Microbiology
M.Sc in Molecular Biology, Microbiology
Master in Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology
Master in Molecular Biology and Environmental Microbiology
M.Sc in Microbiology
M.Sc in Microbiology and Physiochemistry
M.Sc in Interdepartmental Microbiology
Master in Microbial Biology
Master in Agroindustrial Microbiology
PhD
Specialisations
Microbiology is quite a vast discipline and branches out into further specifications. The methods and study of Microbiology is used in various fields of study.
The different specialisations that can be found under this discipline are:
Students can choose to specialize in areas like:
Agricultural Microbiology
Industrial Microbiology
Evolutionary Microbiology
Nano Microbiology
Cellular Microbiology
Soil Microbiology
Veterinary Microbiology
Generation Microbiology
Microbial
Water Microbiology
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Microbial Genetics
Environmental Microbiology
Employability
Microbiology is a very important branch of science as it makes huge contributions towards combating diseases, creating chemical products for agriculture, and even helping to keep the planet healthy. A degree in microbiology equips the aspirants with skills like attention to detail, following instructions, critical thinking, problem-solving, and many more which are much needed in combating all the issues this subject aims to take on. There is a plethora of job opportunities in this field.
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- The various career choices include:
Microbiologist
Research Assistant
Food Microbiologist
Industrial Microbiologist
Environmental Microbiologist
Quality Assurance Technologist
Sales or Technical Representatives
Medical Technologist
Clinical Research Associate
Pharmacologist
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Physician Associate
^
- The various career choices include:
Microbiologist
Research Assistant
Food Microbiologist
Industrial Microbiologist
Environmental Microbiologist
Quality Assurance Technologist
Sales or Technical Representatives
Medical Technologist
Clinical Research Associate
Pharmacologist
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Physician Associate